Sink assembly



April 4, 1950 A. P. BALL 2,502,553

SINK ASSEMBLY Filed June 9, 1948 2 Sheets-Sheet l IN V EN TOR.

April 1950 I A. P. BALL 2,502,553

SINK ASSEMBLY Filed June 9, 1948 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR.

filial? FBdZZ FTTAVW K Patented Apr. 4, 1950 SINK ASSEMBLY Albert P. Ball, Detroit, Mich., assignor to Briggs Manufacturing Company, Detroit Mich, a corporation of Michigan Application June 9, 1948, Serial No. 32,025

14 Claims. .(Cl. 4-187) This invention relates in general to sink assemblies and more particularly to means for mounting a sink of the flat rim type within an opening in a drainboard, cabinet top or other supporting structure.

When mounting a sink of the flat rim type it is customary to cut out an opening in the drainboard or cabinet top to receive the bowl and rim of the sink, the latter being supported within the opening so that the rim lies substantially or nearly flush with the top of the drainboard. The gap between the edge of the rim and the edge of the cut-out opening is closed by means of a T-shaped molding which is drawn down tightly to form a seal.

An object of the invention is to provide improved means for mounting a sink of the foregoin type within an opening in a cabinet top; drainboard or the like, which means is relatively simple and inexpensive and easily manipulated during installation of the sink.

A further object of the invention is to provide devices of improved character associated with a molding frame for installing a flat rim sink in an opening in a supporting structure, such devices being adapted to form a tight seal between the top of the molding frame and the underlying edges of the sink rim and supporting structure.

Another object of the invention is to provide improved clamping devices cooperable with a generally T-shaped molding frame for tightly clamping the sink rim, supporting structure and molding frame together, such devices being of simple nature and easily installed, and preferably comprising members insertable through openings in the depending portion of the molding frame so as to engage beneath the supporting structure and also comprising threaded elements carried by said members and engageable beneath the sink rim and operative to draw down the top of the molding frame tightly against the edge of the supporting structure and rim of the sink.

Still another object of the invention is to provide improved means for supporting the sink within an opening in a drainboard, cabinet top or-the like preparatory to clamping the sink in place, such means preferably comprising devices adapted to connect the sink rim to the molding frame in proper relation after which the sink and molding frame may be installed as a unit within the drainboard or cabinet top opening and supported along the edge of the latter, thus permitting the sink to be held in place within the opening while the clamping devices are installed.

Other objects of this invention will appear in the following description and appended claims, reference being had to the accompanying drawings forming a part of'this specification wherein like reference characters designate corresponding parts in the several views.

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary sectional elevation of a fiat rim sink installed in an openin in a drainboard or cabinet top and illustrating one of the devices for clamping the molding frame in place.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary horizontal section taken substantiallythrough lines 2-2 of Fig. 1 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view, partly in section, illustrating the molding frame and one of the clamping devices.

Fig. 4 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the parts of the clamping device.

Fig. 5 is a plan view of a sink having a molding frame attached thereto preparatory to installation in an opening in a drainboard, cabinet top or the like.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view taken substantially through lines 6-6 of Fig. 5 looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary perspective view, partly in section, illustrating one of the devices in operative position for attaching the sink and molding frame together preparatory to installation thereof.

Fig. 8 is an exploded view, in part similar to Fig. 7, illustratin th supporting devic removed to permit assembly of the sink with the molding frame.

Before explaining in detail the present invention it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for pose of description and not of limitation.

In the drawings there is illustrated, by way of example, one embodiment of the invention in which a sink I 0 is installed within an opening in a cabinet top, drainboard or other supporting structure generally indicated at II. The sink I0 is of any conventional type having the usual basin or bowl terminating around the upper marginal edge thereof in an outwardly extending continuous horizontal rim flange Illa. The drainboard or cabinet top H comprises the usual supporting board Ha. which may be of plywood or the purany other laminated structure covered in the usual manner by means of a sheet of linoleum D which is bonded thereto. For the purpose of installing the sink II! it is the usual practice to cut out a generally rectangular opening in the cabinet top' or drainboard II, which opening is somewhat larger than the sink so as to permit the latter to be inserted freely through the opening and also to accommodate a molding I2 which seals the joint between the marginal edge of the sink rim Illa and the adjacent edge of the opening in the drainboard or cabinet top H.

The sealing molding I2 is preferably in the form of a generally rectangular frame having a configuration corresponding to the shape of the opening cut in the drainboard as well as the edge of the sink rim. This molding has a head comprising a flange portion I2a overlapping the drainboard around-the margin of the opening therein and a flange I2b overlapping the sink rim Ifla. Extending downwardly from the head of the molding frame is a leg I2c adapted to fit against the edge of the drainboard around the opening cut therein, this leg I2c projecting a suitable distance below the bottom of the drainboard II. The molding I2 is formed of metal and not only serves as a sealing means but also provides an ornamental finish around the sink along the juncture of. the sink rim and drainboard.

After installation of the sink III and molding frame I2, as shown in Fig. 1, the molding frame is drawn down tightly so as to effect a tight joint between the flange portions I2a, I2b, the sink rim and the drainboard. This is accomplished in accordance with the present invention by means of a number of clamping devices, each of which is illustrated in Fig. 4. Any suitable number of these devices may be used, such as twelve, four being arranged at spaced intervals along each side of the sink and two along each end of the sink. Each clamping device comprises a stamped metal clamping plate or piece I3 having a tapped hole I4 adjacent one end thereof for the reception of a screw I5. The clamping plate is preferably formed with an upwardly offset portion I3a providing a shoulder I3b, and preferably the end of this offset portion I3a is bent up at I30 to provide a curved working edge engageable with the underside of the drainboard II. The vertical leg I2c of the molding frame is pierced to provide a series of elongate slots I6 corresponding in number to the number of clamping devices. Each slot, as shown in Fig. 2, is preferably somewhat longer than the width of the clamping plate I3 and is located near the lower edge of the leg I2c so as to lie mainly below the plane of the bottomof the drainboard when the molding is installed. 1

After the sink and molding frame have been installed and supported in position within the opening in the drain board, as hereinafter described, the clamping devices are assembled in their proper positions. The screw I5 is first threaded through the hole in the clamping plate, as shown in Fig 3, and thereupon the offset end of the clamping plate is inserted through the slot I6. In case the distance between the wall of the sink and edge of the drainboard opening is unduly restricted the clamping plate may be inserted through the slot I6 angularly and thereafter turned so as to extend at right'angles to the leg I2c of the molding frame, this operation being permitted by virtue of the greater length of the slots I6 as compared with the widths of the clamping plates. On account of the offset portions of the clamping plates the slots I6 have sufficient depth so as to facilitate insertion of the plates through the slots. Each clamping plate is accurately positioned within the slot by the engagement of the shoulder lib with the lower edge ofthe slot, as a result of which the offset end of the clamping plate will underlie the drainboard II and the opposite end will underlie the rim I0a of the sink. After the clamping device has been installed, as shown in Fig. 1, the screw I5 is driven upwardly by means of a screw driver so as to engage the underside of the rim Illa. When the screw is tightened against the rim of the drainboard the underlying end of the clamping plate will be drawn down thereby forcing the offset end I3c of the clamping plate upwardly against the underside of the drainboard, this operation drawing down the leg I2c of the molding frame and causing the flange portions I2a and I2b to engage tightly the upper surfaces of the drainboard and sink rim. In order to ensure a water-tight seal suitable plastic sealing material may be interposed between the flange portions I2a, I2b and the underlying surfaces of the drainboard and sink rim.

In accordance with the present invention means is provided for supporting the sink I0 within the opening in the drainboard or cabinet top in proper position with respect to the molding frame I2 preparatory to installation of the clamping devices I3, Ii. As illustrated in Figs. 6 to8 inclusive, the means for preliminarily supporting the sink at the proper height within the drainboard or cabinet top opening comprises a number of devices which serve to attach the molding frame and sink rim together after which the assembled molding frame and sink may be set into the opening in the drainboard or cabinet top and supported substantially at their final location. Any suitable number of these supporting devices may be utilized, such as four which may be arranged at or adjacent the four corners of the molding frame. As herein illustrated, each such supporting device comprises a metallic angle bracket I'I adapted to flt against the-inside of the leg I2c of the molding frame and terminating in an inwardly extending flange IIa adapted to underlie the sink rim Illa. The vertical leg of each angle bracket I I is formed with an elongate slot I8 for the reception of the threaded shank of a screw I9. This screw extends through a counter-sunk hole in the leg I2c of the molding with a nut 20 threaded onto the inner end thereof. molding frame the supporting angles I! may be installed in position on the molding frame by means of screws I9 and nuts 20. The sink may be readily assembled with the molding frame by first removing the brackets Il, inverting the sink and frame and assembling them together as shown in Fig. 8 with the sink rim engaging the flange I2b of the molding frame. Thereafter the angle brackets I! are installed as shown in Fig. 7 and adjusted so as to engage the flanges Ila thereof with the underside of the sink rim, whereupon the nuts 20 are tightened to clamp the parts together.

After the molding frame'and sink have been assembled together by means of the brackets II, as abovev described, the assembly may be turned rightside up, as shown'in Fig. 6, and then installed within the. opening in the drainboard or cabinet top. when thus installed the flange I2a will rest upon the drainboard, as shown in Fig. 1,

Before assembly of the sink with theand the sink rim will be supported upon the.

brackets I! carried by the molding. Thereafter the-clamping devices l3, [5 may be readily installed and tightened so as to clamp the molding tightly in place.

In the event the drainboard or cabinet top is separable from its support, itwill be understood that the angle brackets l1, which only serve to support the sink while the clamping elements I3, i5 are installed, may be omitted. In such case the drainboard, sink and molding frame may be assembled ininverted position and. the clamping elements installed and tightened, after which the entire assembly is turned rightside up in the manner shown in Fig. 1.

Iclaim: '4

1. Means for mounting a flat rim sink in an opening in a supporting structure, comprising a molding frame having a top portion adapted to overlie adjacent edges of the sink rim and supporting structure and a vertical portion adapted to extend therebetween, a clamping member in- 1 sertable through an opening in the lower end of said vertical portion in such manner as to cause one end of the clamping member to engage the underside of said structure and the opposite end to underlie said sink rim inspaced relatlon therebelow and a clamping screw onsaid last named end of the clamping member adjustable to engage the underside of said rim.

2. Means for mounting a flat rim sink irran,v

opening in a supporting structure, oomprisin'gia molding frame having a top portion adapted tom gether.

top portion adapted ,to overlie adjacent edges of a sink rim and supporting structure and a vertical portion adapted to extend therebetween, said vertical portion having a slot adjacent its lower end. a clamping member insertable horizontally through said slotto cause one end of the member to engage the underside of said structure and the opposite end to underlie said sink rim, and means interposed between said last named end of the clamping member and the underside of the rim for exerting a downward force on .said last named end thereby to draw down said molding frame tightly against said rim and supporting. structure.

6. In combination, a molding frame having a top portion adapted to overlie adjacent edges of a sink rim and supporting structure and a vertical portion adapted to extend thenebetween, a horizontally extending clamping member tiltingly connected intermediate its ends to the lower end of said vertical portion so as to 'cause one end of the member to engage the underside of said structure. and the opposite end to underlie the sink rim, means for clamping said last named end to the rim, and means for attaching said rim and top portion of the molding frame to- 7. In combination, a molding frame having a top portion adapted to overlie adjacent edges of a sink rim and supporting structure and a ver- 'tical portion .adaptedto extend therebetween, a

overlie adjacent edges of the sink rim and sup porting structure and a vertical portion adapted to extend therebetween, a clamping member insertable through an opening-in the lower end of i said vertical portion in such manner as. to cause one end of the clamping member to engage the underside of said structure and the opposite end to underlie said sink' rim in spaced relation therebelow, and adjustable clamping means interposed between said last named end of the clamping member and the underside of the rim.

3. In combination, a molding frame having a top portion adapted to overlie adjacent edges of a sink rim and supporting structure and a horizontally extending clamping member tilting- ,ly connected intermediate its ends to the lower end of said vertical portion so as to cause one end of the member to engage the underside of I a said structure and the opposite end to underlie Y the sink rim'gmeans'for clamping said last named end to the rim, and adjustable means'connected to the-vertical portion of said frame for connecting said frame to the sink rim.

'8. In combination with a flat rim type sink adapted to be'mounted within an opening in a vertical portion adapted to extend therebetween,

a clamping member insertable horizontally through an opening in the lower end of said vertical portion in such manner as to cause one end of the clamping member to engage the underside of said structure and the opposite end to underlie said sink rim in spaced relation therebelow, means on said clamping member for pcsitioning the same within said opening rela-.

tively to said molding frame, and a clamping screw on said last named end of the clamping member adjustable to engage the underside of said rim.

4. Means for mounting a flat rim sink in an opening in a supporting structure, comprising a molding frame having a top portion adapted to overlie adjacent edges of the sink rim and supporting structure and a verticalportion adapted to extend therebetween, said vertical ally T-shaped cross-section having a top portion adapted to overlie-the sink rim and said structure and a vertical portion extending therebetween, means for securing the sink rim to the molding frame to permit installation thereof as a unit in said opening, and means for securing the molding frame to said supporting structure.

9. In combination with a flat rim type sink adapted to, be mounted within anopening in a supporting structure. a molding frame of generally T-shaped cross-section having a top portion adapted to overlie the sink rim and said structure I and a vertical portion extending therebetween,

means for securing the sink rim to the molding frame to permit installation thereof as a unit in said opening, and means for clamping the molding frame, sink rim and said structure together.

10. In combination with a flat rim-type sink adapted to be mounted within an opening in a supporting structure, a molding frame of generally T-shaped cross-section having a top portion 7 adapted to overlie the sink rim and said structure and a vertical portion extending therebetween, adjustable devices on the vertical portion of said frame for supporting the sink rim on said frame when the sink and frame are installed as a unit in said opening, and means for clamping the molding frame to the sink' rim and supporting structure.

1,2. In combination with a flat rim type sink adapted to be mounted within an opening in a supporting structure, a molding frame of generally T-shaped cross-section having a top portion adapted to overlie the sink rim and said structure and a vertical portion extending therebetween, angle brackets adjustably mounted on the vertical portion of said frame for supporting the sink rim on said frame when the latter is positioned in supported relation to said structure, and means for clamping the molding frame to said structure.

13. In a mounting for a fiat rim sink on a supporting structure, a molding frame adapted to be interposed between the sink rim and an edge of said structure, adjustable devices on said for supporting the sink rim, and means\ ,for-

clamping the molding frame, sink rim and". pporting structure together.

14. Means for mounting a flat rim sink onIa supporting structure, comprising a molding frame adapted to be interposed between the sink rim and an edge of said structure, adjustable devices on said frame for supporting the sink rim, and adjustable clamping devices connected to said molding frame for securing the frame to said sink rim and supporting structure.

' ALBERT P. BALL.

REFERENCES CITED I The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Drain May 4, 1948 

